Despite the fact that the fishing opener was actually one week ago, today is our opening day. A little thing like lack of open water really can screw things up! Of course, all that changed when the winds and the weather came into our favor the last two days. Ice-free lake, docks into the water, boats rolling off of trailers down at the landing. And today----fishermen finally out on Gunflint Lake.

When I first moved up here, twenty-seven years ago, the big question leading up to the fishing opener was always, "Are you ready yet?" My answer varied, depending on where I was at in my work stages. Over time, the simplest answer turned out to be like a phrase from Hide 'n' Seek: Ready or not, here it comes! And so, here we are, open and ready for business.

Too soon for flowers.

I love the anticipation and hopeful feeling that comes at this time of the year. Like choosing seeds to plant in a garden or going through the tackle box to assess the best lure to try, it all brings on the feeling of the possibilities that lie ahead. We've made it through the winter, and now we are excited to leap into all that summer can bring.